I have probably mentioned this somewhere in my blog over the years but when I plan travel I start by researching and making a list of everything I want to see. Of course, I did this for Seattle and while researching came across the Fremont Troll and thought it might be interesting to go see! I try to lump things together on the list by location especially since the hotel recommended we did not take any buses or trains (apart from the train to the airport- Link Light Rail).
The Gas Works Park
That morning, we set off to see Gas Works and the Fremont Troll. We decided to take an Uber to Gas Works and then from there we would walk to see the Troll. Gas Works Park is located on the North Shore of Lake Union. It is a public park that still has pieces of the former Gas Light Company gasification plant located on it. It is interesting to walk around and it also has pretty views of Lake Union.
While you are there you might also notice a large earth mound (sometimes known as Kite Hill – a popular place to fly kites!). If you make your way to the top, not only will you have some great views but you will also find a sundial! Make sure to check it out! We were pretty lucky when we went and there were not a lot of people around. After walking around for a bit we headed to the Fremont Troll.
The Fremont Troll
The walk to Fremont troll didn’t take us too long, about 15 minutes or so. I actually thought there would be a lot of people there but it was relatively empty when we arrived. You walk through a neighbourhood, up a hill to get there and the troll sits at the top under an underpass. Four local artists sculpted it and the idea came from Nordic and Scandinavian folklore.
I read how this underpass, Aurora Bridge, use to be ‘not the best area’ and so the council came up with the idea of an art competition. The winning art would then be placed there and hopefully renovate the area. It was built in 1990 and has been in several movies (10 things I hate about you). The street running down from the Troll was even renamed Troll Avenue in honour of the sculpture.
You can actually climb up on the Trolls hand to take pictures. It is holding an actual VW bug, with California plates, in its hand which I read use to hold a time capsule. Years ago, someone apparently stole it. If you have time there is also a small garden/pathway to your right that is nice to walk through.
Bourbon Steakhouse
We finished off the evening at Bourbon Steakhouse! It was one of the best steaks I have had! I cannot recommend the center-cut Filet Mignon enough – although it was a large portion! I did have the Wedge salad as a starter which also filled me up before the steak even came – so that didn’t help! We all shared the black truffle Mac & cheese and the Brussel sprouts. The Maine Lobster Pot pie was so tempting! I saw it go by and it looked incredible. If, there had been more of us to share it I would definitely have ordered it. We finished with the smoked valrhona chocolate s’more which came in this smoked glass cloche bell jar – all very fancy!
Check out my previous posts here and here for other things to do in Seattle!
Buffy xx
